Science Fiction and Fantasy
Thanks for taking the time to read my latest journal article. Much of my day now involves writing my next book, and I’m often surprised I haven’t posted in a few weeks.
Today, I reminisce about the power of story, and why I craft the novels I do.
Let me tell you what drove me to become a writer and storyteller. I wasn’t always this way. But even as a child, the love of books was part of my nature.
Continue reading “The Power of Story”
The above picture was taken in my backyard, where the flowers are looking fabulous. As for my writing, I am nearly done editing my third novel, Elthea’s Paradox.
This one has taken me longer than the others. Yet, as a good friend explained, “Once published, nobody will compliment you on how rapidly you finished it. Every book is judged on its quality.”
Editing can be both exciting and frustrating. Exciting because this is the point where I massage the storyline to make it shine and easier to read. No reader wants to trip over sentences throughout a book, and this is where I polish those rough edges. It’s frustrating because, well, good writing is hard. I can spend hours reworking a short passage over and over again.
Continue reading “A Summertime Update”
If you feel like the world has been spinning out of control during these past few months, you’re not alone.
First, we faced the coronavirus and then witnessed the massive protests for racial equality. We haven’t even begun the ruckus that’s sure to unfold as we approach the presidential election here in the U.S.
I’m a news junkie, so I tend to pay attention to events taking place in the world. I try to tune out the noise when it becomes too much by concentrating on my writing. But the evening news has a way of capturing my attention.
In some ways, science fiction and fantasy writers are lucky. We draw upon events in the world as fodder for our plots. We use them to stimulate our imagination, asking what-if questions. And often, we come up with some pretty creative results. So, in a way, I’m really doing research by clicking on that Apple News app while I work.
Continue reading “Global Events Can Spark Your Imagination”
Words define us and explain the events of our generation. Such is the case with the current Coronavirus.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary recently added the word COVID-19. It took one month from conception to formal recognition, the fastest in the company’s nearly 200-year history. This wasn’t the only new word included in the dictionary because of the virus.
Usually, new words are added only after years of generally accepted use. But now, practically overnight, an entirely new vocabulary has developed.
Life may never be the same because of the virus, and that goes for our language. Here are some of the newest additions to our lexicon.
Continue reading “The Language of a Pandemic”
I considered writing something else in this blog post — anything except what’s on everyone’s mind these days. It can be overwhelming listening to the barrage of news, statistics, and commentary about the virus that has spread across the globe.
Right now, however, any other subject feels trivial. We’ve been upended by a small bit of chemistry too tiny to be seen. We are fighting a faceless, unseen enemy intent on destroying us. I’ve read too many science fiction novels where this story doesn’t end well for humanity.
Continue reading “The Fear of COVID-19”
At a recent Writers’ Club meeting, a member complimented me on my skill at storytelling.
I had to think about it. Me? I might call myself a writer, author, indie publisher, or editor. But storyteller?
Best-selling authors receive accolades all the time that are something like, “A brilliant book by a skillful writer.” That’s the praise most authors would be delighted to see or hear. Most of the people who write books probably prefer the title of writer or author.
But the comment about being a storyteller stuck with me.
Continue reading “The Storyteller in Each of Us”
Here’s a photo of Missy, my loyal dog, and a writing companion. Her breed is a Havanese, and we brought her home nearly a year ago.
My life hasn’t been the same since.
I initially hoped that Missy would help me write faster by planting herself on my lap while I was at my desk, forcing me to keep at my task. But alas, the opposite has typically been the case.
She’d much rather play. She will often coax me into chasing her around the house or in the backyard as she tries to keep one of her toys away from me. And if that fails, she’ll find some trouble to get into, like chewing on a slipper or sneaker I’ve left on the floor.
Continue reading “My Daily Writing Routine”
New Year’s day has come and gone, the beginning of a new decade. It’s the time of year to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished in the past and make your wishes for 2020 and beyond.
The new year has barely begun, and I have already received a slew of newsletters and listened to several book publishing podcasts about setting an agenda for 2020.
My biggest desire for this year is a simple one: I want to become an even better writer and provide more stories that entertain, excite, and cause you to think about the unimaginable.
Continue reading “What are your wishes for the new decade?”
With the holidays upon us, my message for this journal post is a simple one. I offer you my appreciation and gratitude. You make it possible for me to continue my dream of writing.
I’ve discovered that a writer’s life is not always an easy path to follow. It can be a daunting profession, putting words onto a blank page, knowing others will eventually judge the quality and worthiness of the books I write.
Continue reading “A Thankful Post”
I primarily read books that contain tales of science fantasy, magical places, or different worlds. If you also enjoy this genre, you’ll be interested in this free book promotion.
Continue reading “Find Escape Fantasy Books”